Portishead wheelchair access 'a disgrace'

A Portishead pensioner says he is being prevented from going into a number of shops in the town because they are not accessible to wheelchairs.

Andrew Hamer, 72, of Centre Quay, was left disabled following a stroke and is now confined to an electric wheelchair.

He moved to Portishead five years ago with his wife Dorothy but says despite all the new building in the town, a number of the shops, bars and restaurants are still not easily accessible to disabled people.

He has raised his concerns with local shopkeepers and Portishead Councillor Reyna Knight and hopes action will now be taken to ensure all shops in the town have disabled access.

Mr Hamer said: "I have real problems getting into some of the shops in the town. I went the other day to a business in Harbour Road with my wife and had to sit outside while she went in because there was no access for wheelchairs.

"The problems are the same with many of the newer businesses in the town, many of which have steps and no ramp for wheelchairs.

"We moved to Portishead because most of it is on the level and easy for people in wheelchairs to get around. But when it comes to accessing some of the shops, it is a different matter.

"There is no excuse for this, especially with the new buildings and the council should ensure there is access for disabled people in all the new developments by stipulating it when planning applications for new developments are submitted.

"Disabled people need to shop too and more consideration should be given to their needs."

The Disability Discrimination Act states that all buildings used by the public for everyday services should be accessible, where practical, to disabled people.

Nailsea Disability Initiative (NDI) was launched five years ago to support disabled people right across North Somerset and help them fight for their rights.

A spokesman said: "We would be keen to hear from anyone who is disabled and finding problems accessing shops and we will take up their complaint."

Councillor Reyna Knight said she would be raising the matter with North Somerset Council. She said: "It is not acceptable that we still have businesses in the town that are not accessible to disabled people."